Western Sahara Republic protests Total operations
The government of the Western Sahara Republic today sent a letter to the CEO of the Total SA, asking the company to stay away from Western Sahara. Total's licence in Western Sahara could be ending today - will they renew?
Published 06 December 2012


"The illegal occupation of Western Sahara is legitimized by individuals and corporations who deal with Morocco for the natural resources of the territory", stated the a letter sent from Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic/Frente Polisario to Total's Chief Executive Officer, Christophe de Margerie, today 6 December 2012.

The letter asks Total to "refrain from any such activity without the approval of [the Saharawi] government", from WSRW understands.

The letter is sent the same day as Total's licence with the Moroccan state oil company ONHYM likely will terminate. Total signed an agreement most probably on 6 December 2011, and it is probable that it is lasting for exactly 12 months, meaning until today. Total's massive block was only been revealed last week.

"The conflict over Western Sahara is prolonged, and the Saharawi people denied their economic future, by exploration and development of our natural resources", stated the letter to Mr. Margerie.

Total paid near 4 million to occupier for oil block

The French company Total paid the Moroccan government near 4 million US dollars for the Anzarane exploration licence offshore Western Sahara, under illegal occupation.
08 October 2019

Total officially states it has left Western Sahara

"The contract was not extended in December 2015", company writes on website. It has also confirmed that it has "no plans" to return to the territory, which lies in the part of Western Sahara under Moroccan occupation.
21 June 2016

Norwegian investor excluded Total due to Western Sahara involvement

The Norwegian insurance company Storebrand has blacklisted both phosphate and oil companies involved in occupied Western Sahara. Among them are the French company Total, which are now back in from the cold after they withdrew from the territory.
25 March 2016

Total has left occupied Western Sahara

The French multinational oil company has announced that it is no longer pursuing oil search offshore Western Sahara. "More good news for the Saharawi people. We urge the remaining oil companies to follow suit", stated WSRW.

21 December 2015